The 1986 IAAF World Cross Country Championships was held in Colombier, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, at the Planeyse Colombier on March 23, 1986. A report on the event was given in the Glasgow Herald and in the Evening Times. Complete results for men, junior men, women, medallists, and the results of British athletes were published.

Medallists

Race results

Senior men's race (12 km)

Junior men's race (7.75 km)

Senior women's race (4.65 km)

Medal table (unofficial)

Participation

An unofficial count yields the participation of 670 athletes from 57 countries. This is in agreement with the official numbers as published.